Former Ohio Horse Rescuer Found Guilty

The former operator of an Ohio horse rescue has been found guilty of maltreating animals in her care.

Last year, Shula Woodworth, of Serenity Horses Rescue in Bethel Township, was charged in connection with the seizure of 23 horses in her care; several other animals were also removed from the Serenity premises.

A Miami County Ohio Prosecutor's Office representative said Woodworth initially pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against her. On Feb. 26, Woodworth appeared in court and requested a jury trial in conjunction with those criminal charges, the representative said.

According to Miami County Municipal Court records, on April 22 a jury found Woodworth guilty of three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty toward horses. Woodworth was found not guilty of two cruelty counts involving swine and a calf, court records say.

A court representative said the sentencing date for the case has not yet been set.